Professor Darlene Ciuffetelli Parker has been appointed Associate Dean, Undergraduate and Professional Student Services in the Faculty of Education, effective Nov. 1.

The role was previously held by Interim Dean of the Faculty, Mary-Louise Vanderlee, who is thrilled to welcome Ciuffetelli Parker to the Dean’s Office.

“I welcome the expertise that Dr. Ciuffetelli Parker will bring to the role, especially her capacity to establish strong sustainable community partnerships enabling the goals of program partners to be realized while enhancing the student experience,” Vanderlee said.

She brings a wealth of experience through her numerous leadership roles at the University over the past 18 years, most recently as Director of Teacher Education Programs.

A priority for Ciuffetelli Parker as Associate Dean is supporting, enhancing and protecting the well-being of undergraduate students with a strong focus on mental health awareness.

“Building strategies such as compassionate pathways to success for students in turbulent times, the use of e-learning and hybrid teaching and learning spaces, and bringing student, instructor and staff communities together for shared knowledge and awareness are some ways I look forward to supporting our students,” she said.

As a member of many social justice seeking groups both internal and external to Brock and an internationally published scholar whose research focuses on issues of equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization in educational spaces, Ciuffetelli Parker is committed to bringing her knowledge and perspectives to Brock students.

“I will continue to incorporate my research to collaborate with colleagues, students and internal/external partners to support Brock’s strategic priority to foster a culture of inclusivity, accessibility, reconciliation and decolonization,” she said.

To support this work, Ciuffetelli Parker aims to form an advisory committee comprised of students and interested faculty members fostering connection and encouraging communication, including engaging with mental health surveys towards successful academic pathways.

Another aspect of her long-term vision is to bring more opportunities for international field experiences to FOE undergraduate programs and to work alongside Brock colleagues and experts in policy development regarding academic integrity and new technologies such as artificial intelligence.

“My desire is that I continue to make a positive difference and to support undergraduate students, staff and faculty by fostering excellence in relation to student services and community outreach,” she said.